Flash-light switch



Dec. 23, 1930. H. M. KORETZ KY ,3

FLASH LIGHT SWITCH Filed April 2, 1927 Patented Dec. 23, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARRY M. KORETZKY, OF HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO BRIGHT STAR BAT TERY COMPANY, OF -I-IOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK FLASH-LIGHT SWITCH Application filed April 2 1927. Serial No. 180,377.

This invention relates to portable electric lamps commonly known as flash-lights wherein a battery and incandescent bulb are mounted in a casing upon the exterior of which is provided mechanism for controlling the flow of current from the battery through the bulb.

An object of this invention is an improved switch mechanism for such devices so arranged that the circuit from the battery to the bulb may be closed at will by pressure upon a push button, may be maintained closed without continued pressure on the push button, or may be locked open to prevent current flow from the battery to the bulb.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the switch mechanism comprises a housing mounted on the casing and having a resilient contact mounted therein, the resilient contact being arranged to engage a stationary contact carried by the casing but being normally out of engagement therewith. A suitable push button is provided by means of which the resilient contact may be moved into engagement with said stationary contact. On the housing is slidably mounted a locking member which in one position prevents operation of the push button, in another position maintains the resilient contact in engagement with said stationary contact and an intermediate position permits free movement of both the button and resilient member so that the light may be flashed by pressure on the button. Co-acting means are provided on the locking member and resilient member so that to move them into the position for continuous engagement of the resilient member and contact member, considerable pressure must be exerted on the locking member. This prevents accidental movement of the locking member into position for continuous operation of the light.

Other objects, novel features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and accompanyingdrawings wherein Figure 1 is an elevation of a flash-light equipped with switch mechanism embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a bottom view of the switch mechanism.

Figure 3 is a section on the line 33 of Fig. 1, showing one position of the switch elements;

Figures 4 and 5 are views similar to Fig. 3, showing the switch. elements in the other two positions;

Figure 6 is a section on the line 66 of Fig. 3; and

Figure 7 is '.a perspective View of details of the switch mechanism.

10 designates the casing at one end of which is provided a base cap 11 and at the other end of which is provided acap 12 carrying a lens 13 and in which is mounted an incandescent bulb (not shown). The switch mechanism for controlling flow of current from the battery to the bulb is designated generally as 14. Upon this switch mechanism is pivotally mounted a bail 15 which may be used to suspend the lamp from any suitable support.

The switching mechanism 14 comprises a housing 16 which is attached to the casing 10 by rivets 17 or the like. A resilient contact 18 issupported at one endfromone end of the top wall of the housing 16 by means of a rivet 19 or the like. This contact 18 is oifset adjacent the rivet 19 and is further ofl:' set intermediate its ends, the reason for which will later be set forth. At the other end of the top wall of the housing 16 is provided an aperture within which is arranged a push button 20 which is adapted to engage the free end of the resilient contact member 18. The lower portion of the button 20 is enlarged to prevent removal of the button from the aperture and in the upper part of the button is provided a peripheral groove. A stationary contact 22 is mounted on the inner sur face of the casing 10 and has its upturned end projecting through an aperture in the casing to be engaged by the resilient contact 18 when the latter is pushed dowwardly either by the button 20 or otherwise.

In the top wall of the housing 16 are provided a pair of slots 23. A locking member '24: rests upon the top of the housing 16 and has tangs which extend through the slots 23, the tangs being of less width than the length of the slots 23 whereby the locking member 24 is capable of limited sliding moveoil ment. At one end the member 24; is recessed as at 2% and at the other end is cut out as at 2 1?). lVithin the housing 16 is provided aplate 26 having grooves into which it the tangs 25, the ends of which are bent around the plate 26 sothat the latter is movable with the locking member 2- 1. One end 27 of the plate 26 is bent at right angles to the body thereof and projects toward the resilient contact member 18. Between the offset portions or the contact 18 is an oblique shoulder 28, the inclination of which is somewhat less than An aperture 29 is provided in the plate 26 and in the housing 16 is provided an oliset 30 adapted to seat in said aperture 2i) when the locking member 24 is in position to prevent operation of the light.

Figs. 3, 4 and 5 disclose the position of the various elements of the switch mechanisn'i when the circuit is locked open, when it is arranged for intermittent flashing, and when it is locked closed. With the elements arranged as shown in Fig. 3, the button 20 is held against movement by engagement of that portion of the locking member 2 surrounding the cut out 2 16 in the groove formed in the button. In this position, the projection 30 is seated in the aperture 29 so that the elements are locked in this position unless substantial pressure is applied to the. locking member 2 1. Application of pressure to the locking member 24 moves it into the position shown in Fig. l, thereby releasing the member 20 which may be pushed with the thumb to bring the resilient contact 18 in engagement with the stationary contact 22. In this position, the end 27 of the plate 26 engages the shoulder 28 of the resilient contact member 18, thereby preventing further movement of the locking member 24 without additional substantial pressure on the locking member. By zpplying such substantial pressure accompanied, if desired, by pressure on the button 20, the locking member .2 1 is moved still further, the end 27 riding over the shoulder 28, thereby bringing the resilient contact 18 down into engagement with the stationary contact 22 and holding it in such position so long as the locking member 24: is maintained in its forward position. The locking member 24 is held in its "forward position by the inter-engagement of the rivet 19 and therecess 24a. The offsetting of the contact 18 adjacent the rivet 19 permits movement of the locking member in its forward position without too great liexure of the contact.

It is, of course, understood that various modifications may be made in the structure above disclosed without in any way departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A switch mechanism for flash-lights comprising a housing having an aperture, a resilient contact member mounted in said housing and having oifset portions, a button in said aperture for flexing said contact member, said contact member being capable of flexure independently of said button, a member for locking said button to prevent flennre of said contact member thereby, said locking member being slidable and having a portion adapted to engage said contact member whereby movement of said locking member flexes said contact member into and maintains it in circuit closing position.

2. A switch mechanism for flash-lights comprising a housing having an aperture, a resilient jcontact member mounted in said housing, said contact member having ofl'set portions connected by an oblique shoulder, a button in said aperture for flexing said contact member, said contact member being capable of flexure independently of said button, a member for locking said button to prevent flexure of said contact member thereby, said locking member being slidable and having a portion adapted to engage said contact member whereby movement of said locking member flexes said contact member into and maintains it in circuit closing position.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification.

HARRY M. KORETZKY. 

